Harbingers of Spring

I once again went on a midnight run through the hills, drawn by perhaps one final opportunity to enjoy the last chill of winter’s breath on the night air. Even on a dark, moonless night, my path and the world around me lit only by the distant lights of civilization and the faint glow of the stars in the heavens above, I would have had to have been blind not to have been overwhelmed by the multitude of portents of the coming spring that surrounded me as I ran through the hills and orchards.

I must admit that it was not the chorus of frogs singing their song of love to prospective mates at the pond in the vineyard, nor the sweet smell of some unseen fragrant blossom wafting on the night breeze, nor even the breeze itself, cool, but yet not quite as chill as it would have been ere a month earlier, that spoke to me so strongly of the coming dawn of summer.

I was impressed by the unexpected and awe-inspiring shooting star that blazed a fiery-bright path across my path as I climbed towards the top of the hills, an omen portending an event worthy of note by the bards and poets of ancient times, yet still not the sign that I sought.

Indeed, as I paused at the peak of the highest of the hills, enjoying the view of glow of the city beneath me on one side, and the dark of the wilds on the other, feeling that frosty edge to the air that I drew into my lungs as I caught my breath, the surest sign of spring was not even the warm feelings of love and longing for those closest to me in my heart, yet distant and far away from my side.

No for me, as for our distant ancestors who marked the passing of the seasons by the march of the constellations across the heavens, the one unmistakable sign of the passing of winter was the sight of Scorpio rearing its head above the eastern edge of the world, the red glow of its heart, Antares, already beginning its ascent toward its position of prominence in the summer night sky. I quickly turned on my heel and looked wistfully westward, hoping to catch one last glimpse of the mighty hunter Orion, knowing even before I looked that his time had already gone and that the winter heaven’s guardian had retired from his post. Overhead, Leo, the lion, stood watch, but only briefly, his time too soon to pass in deference to the ascension of the summer firmament. Winter has gone, spring is come.

Yes, all of these signs of spring passed before me, surrounded me, and even on this dark, moonless night I found my senses overwhelmed and myself immersed in the coming of the new season. So, I entreat you, my friends and colleagues, to let not the change of seasons pass by you un-noticed and encourage you to go for a walk in the evening and seek out that herald of spring which sings the strongest to you and revel in the moment, for few in life are as sweet. Good night and God bless

Sweet Rides Dudes

Sweet is the only word that I can think of to describe the riding conditions on Snoqualmie yesterday. Coming off the Snow Patrol concert the night before, up early to grab a pre-dawn meeting and first on the lift to track some prisitne powder...dude, it don't get much better than that. The conditions were totally bomb...chill, another total dump of snow, like a foot of untouched powder to shred on first thing...once I got to weaving the slopes I didn't put the brakes on until wayyy into the day and only then to grab a burger and a Dew to fuel the fires for the rest of the day. I spent the whole day running the big mountain, hit the park a couple of times just to grab some air, even tomahawked for the first time...kinda whack, but totally gnarly:D If they let snowboarders into heaven then all the rides should be this sweet, o ja;-)

Snow Patrol...A Tour For Lovers

No, not the folks who help riders and skiers off the mountain when they get in over their heads, but the rock group. I actually caught them in concert at Key Arena in Seattle on Tuesday night and they REALLY rock. Of course their music is absolutely fabulous, especially "Chasing Cars" *sigh*, but they also put on a totally sick light show and bang it out to the extreme. If you can catch them on their North American Tour, it is one that I would recommend that you see with someone you love...romance is definitely the genre of this tour and it is meant to be shared with someone you can wrap your arms around while you sing softly in their ear. Of course in the mosh pit it would be a good trick to hear anyone or anything but the band, but better to have someone to hold than not;-) Besides, why anyone would go to a rock concert and sit off the floor in the seats is beyond me. Not that I could hear or speak above a hoarse whisper for the next day or so, but who cares...too much fun!!! Oh, and the opening local band Steam Ship Under People, followed by Ok Go were totally bomb in their own right. Snow Patrol played out their gig and then followed up with a half hour encore...you have to love catching these guys at the the beginning of their tour;-)

A Major-League Face Plant

After an absolutely awesome day shredding the slopes in a driving fresh snow on Snoqualmie, I obliged a challenge by a friend and finished by throwing it down the riding park a couple of times, rails, jumps and all. My first jump was by no means timid, fairly good air, but the landing left quite a bit to be desired...unless one is supposed to land face first *OUCH* Okay, I made it up on my second run, taking the jump at speed, catching big-time air, landing and not even looking back...I stomped it!...JAHUU!!! *Sheesh*...the things I do on a double-dog dare;-)

And The Winners Are...

Okay, here are my favorites from the less-than-impressive lot of this year's Super Bowl commercials (I really think that they tried too hard to be cute...and missed, for the most part;-):


FedEx Comes Out With the Number One Ad Again!



This One Is Just Too Cute;-)



...And The Winner In The "Best Soundtrack" Category Is...

A Pretzel By Any Other Name...

While shopping at the mall today, I stopped and grabbed a pretzel at "Aunt Annie's", the frist I have had since I ate my first in Philadelphia last year. The pretzel was the same, I suppose, but somehow it did not taste near as good as the one that I shared with the homeless dude on the steps of a downtown Philly subway station where we both had found shelter from a cold and rainy March day;-)

In fact it was kind of tasteless and uninspiring. I guess that it just goes to prove what I have always said...it is not what you do, or where you do it, but rather who you share the experience with, O ja:D

Shredding the Slopes by Moonlight...Jahúú

About the only joy in my life right now is my snowboarding. Though I can never put other things entirely out of my mind, at least while I am riding I can (must) focus on something else, if only for a minute or two. I have found the slopes at Snoqualmie to be pretty rad, with great overall weaving opportunities and a few sketchy spots to test my (hopefully) improving skills. I plan on spending as much time as possible riding there on my trips over and back to Seattle, heck I am even getting pretty good. Monday night found me weaving down the run on Central Summit in a freezing rain, icy, pretty whack conditions, but managing to keep an edge and even throwing a sick move or two at it...I was pretty stoked and just kicking it. Of course, I did manage a few pretty gnarly bonks but kept throwing it down until they turned out the lights...it was like totally bitchin', dudes;-)

...and dudes, it is a GF cap, so I just KNOW that you love it too, right?;-)

*Sigh*

And Then They Were Gone

After an emotional and fun-filled week, Victoria and Jarrett flew out of Sea-Tac to day and headed home. I did enjoy their company, Victoria certainly has developed into the bright, pretty and charming daughter that every father wishes for and her beau Jarrett actually seems to be a nice guy (doggone it;-). I will miss Victoria's companionship and Jarrett's good humor, but it is now time to start putting my life back together and that I must do by myself. But, before they left, we wandered through downtown Seattle, managed to make some new friends in the form of four foreign visitors; David, Frank, Tomiaka and Jus; from Belgium, China, Japan and France, respectively.

These young men are visiting our country, heading for southern California, travelling and sleeping in a Chevy Van...too much fun. We met when they were in need of a tire being changed and kept crossing paths with them until we finally asked them to join us in a walk down to the waterfront and ate with them at Ivar's, Victoria's favorite place to eat in Seattle.

They are a bright group of young men enjoying life and we left wishing them well in their journey.

On our return stroll through downtown, we ran into an old acquaintance...a clever young man who entertained us on New Year's Eve at the Space Needle. We had another good laugh recalling his quick wit and good nature...it is often remarkable the way in which we make friends as we travel through this life, but always a wonderful experience:D

After a tearful good-bye, I watched as Victoria's plane departed and headed back home to face whatever tomorrow brings...

...it should prove to be an interesting New Year indeed.

Celebrating the New Year in Style

Victoria, Jarret and I decided to make the most of the opportunity to celebrate New Years and not anything dampen our holiday spirit. Besides, I had a promise to keep about having as much fun as I could in the new year and I always keep my promises...ALL of them;-) So, here is what we did...




So, who knows what the new year might bring, but if this is indeed to be the "Year of Togetherness" for those in love, then I suppose that there could be worse things...for all of us who are in love;-)

Gleðilegt Nýtt Ár

On this eve of another new year, one filled both with opportunity and uncertainty, I wish to offer to my friends and loved ones, wherever they may be, my passionate hope that at the dawning of 2007 we will find---

A renewed sense of hope and optimism for all of mankind, everywhere
That we all, no matter our differences, treat each other as brothers
And walk life's path hand-in-hand with our sisters.
That no child should ever again go to bed hungry
And that genocide, global-warming and pandemics are all just a bad dream
That all who know me will always think fondly of me,
And that no one, anywhere, should ever consider life to be so hopeless as to end it prematurely.
May we always find the time to take pause in our lives to stop and smell the roses,
That we never miss an opportunity to say to our loved ones, "I love you!",
And that we always, always, always, remember to hug our children and remind them that they are the reason that God smiles!
I can only hope that y'all have the opportunity to love life as much as it deserves to be,
That life is as kind to you as you deserve it to be,
And that you share your love with all those you hold dear and close in your heart.
May y'all enjoy the Happiest of New Years and know that all of my best wishes and love go out to you, no matter the distance between us,
For how hollow would our existance be indeed, if it were not for the love that we share!

She Is Here...and So Is He

I picked up my daughter Victoria and her boyfriend Jarrett from the airport yesterday. Omigosh it was great to see her and catch up on what has been happening in both of our lives over the past few months and, for once, I had more to talk about than she;-)

Of course, her and I simply pick back up from where we left off last, so it is just a warm and comforting conversation, even when covering the more difficult aspects of our lives...I am so very glad that she is here:D

Jarrett seems to be a very nice young man and they do seem happy together and definitely in love. I hope to get to know this guy who is so important in my not-so-little-anymore girl's life, but am certain that her good judgement held sway when they chose to become friends.

Anyway, I look forward to an enjoyable week spent with these two...and who knows, I might even get to like this guy;-)

Christmas For Just The Two Of Us...For Now

Despite all of the recent turmoil, John and I did enjoy being together for Christmas, even if the most important people in each of our lives were with us in spirit only;-)

He's Finally Here!!!

My son John has finally arrived to spend Christmas week with me. I picked him up at the airport in Seattle today and was I surprised at seeing him. He has grown another couple of inches and now stand only abut 2 inches shorter than his Dad (that would be me;-) Of course, being my progeny, he is strappingly handsome, blonde-hired and blue-eyed, athletic in build...a real heart-breaker-to-be, I am certain. Seriously, I am so very proud of the tall, handsome, well-mannered young man that John has turned out to be. In light of his mother and I divorcing when he was 7 years old, I have always been concerned about any latent ill effects that this might have had on his personality, yet here he stands at 16, tall, intelligent, well-adjusted and articulate...everything that I could have expected from a son of mine...and more. God has truly blessed me in having John as my son and I plan on us having as much fun as we can in the short time that he is here.

What European City Do You Belong In?

You Belong in Dublin

Friendly and down to earth, you want to enjoy Europe without snobbery or pretensions. You're the perfect person to go wild on a pub crawl... or enjoy a quiet bike ride through the old part of town.

What European City Do You Belong In?

Take Time To Smell The...Leaves

As we all rush through our busy lives, too often we overlook some of the simpler, subtler and more precious of this world’s pleasures. The fall season is now full upon us, with the first breaths of frost coaxing from the trees the full spectrum of their fall colors; golden yellows, brilliant oranges, and, finally, the fiery, blazing reds that catch our eye…and cause us to catch our breath. Indeed, ere too many days are past, we shall be visited by the first snows of winter, so if you have not yet done so, I entreat you to take time this week to enjoy what may very well be the last few glorious sunny days of the season. My new-found autumn haven is a secluded, soft, grassy hill where one can lay in the warmth of the afternoon sun, gaze dreamingly into the sapphire-blue sky, enjoy the rich, earthy smell of damp fallen leaves, and feel the cool tingle of the fall breeze on one’s skin; giving one cause to think longingly of the waning days of summer. Share, if you can, these moments with a good book, the company of a dear friend (even if only by cell phone;-) or the loving memory of someone whom you hold close in your heart, if not in your arms. For surely these are the days that God created to allow us a brief glimpse of what wonders as might await us in heaven and it would be tragic indeed if we did not take pause and embrace them.

Er Þessi Ég? (Is This Me?)

Your Rising Sign is Gemini

You often feel torn between two dominant personalities. Sometimes you're adaptable and friendly; other times indecisive and unsure. No matter what, you're the life of the party or conversation. Witty and talkative, you entertain with your stories and gossip. It's a bit difficult for you to finish what you start - jobs, friendships, relationships... There's so much you want to try. You often bite off more than you can chew.

What's Your Rising Sign?

School Days, School Days...

It looks like I may have survived my first university exams in over 15 years My Pre-Calculus test was the toughest and most important, but I think that I did well, even with life and work competing with my studying. The class is small, only about 10 regular students, but the instructoir is good, contrary to the reputation of CBC's Math Dept. I am glad that this class is going well, since math is going to be such a large part of my astro-physics studies. Now, I have to get back to homework and packing for my flight over to Seattle for a couple of days of meetings. See y'all later!

What Planet Should I Rule?

You Should Rule Jupiter

Huge and hot, Jupiter is a quickly turning planet with short days and intense gravity. You are perfect to rule Jupiter, because you are both dominant and kind. You have great strength and confidence, but you never abuse your power. You are always right. Even if you make mistakes, you compensate for them... before anyone knows it. Headstrong and ambitious, you always have a goal in mind. You are optimistic and believe thing things will always work out.

What Planet Should You Rule?

A Magical Moment in the Sun

Saturday I climbed up past Summerland on the east flank of Mt. Rainier and made my way up over Panhandle Gap. In fact, I think that this hike/run constituted a "personal best" in terms of speed and endurance over the approximately 15 miles that I covered that day. I say that "I think" because I never take such things seriously enough to actually time them...life is too short;-) At any rate, I literally ran the 2+ miles up from Summerland, over the gap and out on the ridgeline to a point overlooking the Sarvent Glaciers, and then back again, racing nightfall the whole way...too much fun!

During my trek I did find a rock outcropping that projected out over the Sarvent Glacier, some 500 feet below. I climbed out and sat there on the edge of oblivion, enjoying the cool air, deep blue skies and last vestiges of warmth from the late afternoon sun, all the while looking out over the Fryingpan Creek valley and marveling at the pristine mountain beauty displayed before me. This late in the day there was not another soul within miles and I truly felt as if all of this magnificence was placed there for me to enjoy.

Just when I believed the moment to be as perfect as possible (well, except for...you know;-), a pair of golden eagles soared around the edge of the canyon, flying towards me over the icy expanse of the glacier below. Taking notice of my presence, they abruptly reversed their course, letting loose a loud, piercing screech, seemingly voicing their displeasure at my unwanted intrusion into their domain. Then, as they turned, banking and exposing their undersides to the setting sun's soft, warm light, they literally exploded in a brilliant display of amber and gold, rivaling the beauty of the sun itself. Then they were gone, leaving me sitting there alone, breathless in my wonder at the magnificent display of nature's beauty that I had just witnessed.

The lengthing of the shadows from the mountain behind me presaged the coming of darkness, hastening my departure and lending urgency to my descent back towards civilization. Although I climbed down the mountain that day, I left behind me on that rocky outcropping an imprint of my soul and took with me a renewed appreciation of nature's beauty and a re-invigoration of my spirit that will surely sustain me for many days to come.